FAQS about Ophthalmology:
Q. What is an Ophthalmologist?
A. An ophthalmologist, an Eye M.D., is a medical doctor (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D.O.), who specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases or other conditions. Ophthalmologists also often provide routine vision care services such as prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. The training required to become an ophthalmologist includes at least four years of medical school (after undergraduate college); a one-year internship in general medicine, usually at a hospital; and a three-year residency in ophthalmology at an accredited teaching program. Many ophthalmologists choose to complete one or two additional years of training in a fellowship, concentrating on a particular aspect of medical or surgical eye care.
Q. How is an Ophthalmologist, an Eye M.D., different from other eye care providers?
A. You may have heard of other eye care professionals, such as optometrists and opticians. They are trained and authorized to provide certain aspects of vision care. Optometrists generally provide routine vision care services, prescribe eyeglasses, fit contact lenses, as well as treat and diagnose many eye diseases. However they do not perform any surgery. Opticians dispense eyeglasses, but do not perform eye exams.
Q. What does "board-certified" mean?
A. Board certification means that an ophthalmologist, an Eye M.D., has taken and passed
A rigorous examination, which covers all aspects of medical and surgical eye care. These examinations are voluntary. An ophthalmologist does not have to be board-certified to practice. The American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) is the main certifying body for ophthalmologists in the United States. Medical specialty boards - including the ABO - are accredited by an "umbrella" organization that sets standards for certifying physicians.
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FAQS about Cataracts:
Q: What is a cataract?
A: A cataract is the clouding of the lens, which blocks some light from reaching the retina and interferes with vision. Because less light reaches the retina, your vision may become dull and blurry.
Q: What causes cataracts?
A: There are multiple causes of cataracts, including aging, injury to the eye, certain medications, smoking, diabetes, and excessive exposure to sunlight.
Q: What are the symptoms?
A: The most common symptoms of cataracts are:
Cloudy or blurry vision
- Problems with light, which can include glare from lamps or a halo around lights
- Colors that seem faded
- Poor night vision
- Double or multiple vision
- Frequent changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses
When a cataract is small, you may not notice any changes in your vision. Cataracts tend to grow slowly, so vision gets worse gradually. Some people with a cataract find that their close-up vision suddenly improves, but this is temporary. Vision is likely to get worse again as the cataract grows.
Q: How is a cataract detected?
A: To detect a cataract, Dr. Anthone would conduct a comprehensive eye examination, which would include the following:
- Visual acuity test
- Slit lamp exam
- Tonometry
- Dilated retinal exam
Q: How is a cataract treated?
A: Surgery is the only effective treatment. The surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a lens implant.
A cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss interferes with your everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV.
Q: Is cataract surgery effective?
A: Cataract removal is one of the most common operations performed in the U.S. today. It is also one of the safest and most effective. In over 95% of cases, people who have cataract surgery have better vision afterwards.
Q: How is a cataract removed?
A: There are two primary ways to remove a cataract.
- Phacoemulsification, or phaco: Dr. Anthone would make a small incision on the side of the cornea and then insert a tiny probe into the eye. The probe emits ultrasound waves that will break up the cloudy center of the lens so it can be removed by suction.
- Extracapsular surgery: In this type of surgery, a slightly longer incision is made on the side of the cornea to remove the hard center of the lens. The remainder of the lens is then removed by suction.
If you have further questions regarding cataract or cataract surgery, please call us at 716-634-6100 or e-mail us at .
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FAQS about Dry Eye
Q: What is dry eye?
A: Dry eye is a condition where enough tears cannot be produced to protect the eyes and give them the moisture needed for clear vision. As a result, the eyes feel dry and are easily irritated.
Q: What causes dry eye?
A: It is not clear why some people are unable to produce enough natural tears. Common causes of this condition include certain medications or the presence of other eye disorders.
Q: What treatment is available?
A: The following suggestions can help reduce the symptoms of dry eye:
- Over-the-counter tear replacements called "artifical tears" are available in any drugstore. These eyedrops may replace badly needed moisture and provide proper lubrication for normal eye functioning.
- Ointments can also be used before bedtime to make sure there is enough wetness throughout the night.
- Long term closure of the tear drainage ducts can be done by inserting a silicone plug into the duct. These plugs offer immediate to gradual relief from the discomfort of dry eyes, as well as a reduction in artificial tear use.
- Limit the use of other eyedrops.
Because frequent use of these treatments for long periods of time can cause adverse reactions, it is important to consult Dr. Anthone first before using any of them.
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FAQS about Glaucoma
Q: What is glaucoma?
A: Glaucoma is a condition characterized by visual field loss and optic nerve damage due to an increased intraocular pressure inside the eye.
Q: What causes glaucoma?
A: Clear liquid, called the aqueous humor, circulates inside the eye. A small amount of this fluid is produced constantly while an equal amount flows out of the eye through a microscopic drainage system. If the drainage area gets blocked, the fluid pressure within the inner eye may increase, which can cause damage to the optic nerve.
Q: How is glaucoma detected?
A: Regular eye examinations are the best way to detect glaucoma. During an examination, the following tests may be conducted:
- Tonometry: measurement of your intraocular pressure
- Gonioscopy: inspection of the drainage angle of your eye
- Ophthalmoscopy: evaluation of any optic nerve damage
- Perimetry: testing of your eye’s visual field
Q: Who is at risk for glaucoma?
A: The most important risk factors include:
- Age
- African ancestry
- A family history of glaucoma
- Diabetes
- Past injuries to the eyes
If you have any of these risk factors, your risk of developing glaucoma may be higher than normal, and you will need to have regular examinations to detect the early signs of damage to the optic nerve.
Q: How is glaucoma treated?
A: Damage caused by glaucoma generally cannot be reversed. However, eye drops, pills, and laser and surgical operations may be used to prevent or slow further damage from occurring.
Because glaucoma can worsen without your being aware of it, regular examinations are very important to prevent vision loss.
FAQS about Macular Degeneration
Q: What is macular degeneration?
A: Macular degeneration is damage or breakdown of the macula. The macula is a small area at the back of the eye that allows you to see fine details clearly. Symptoms may include blurriness or darkness in the center of your vision, and macular degeneration may affect both distance and close vision.
Q: What causes macular degeneration?
A: Macular degeneration is most often the result of the body’s natural aging process.
Q: How is macular degeneration detected?
A: Because many people may not realize they have a problem until blurred vision becomes obvious, it is necessary to see your ophthalmologist for early detection.
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